Clothes that make you look younger: 'Beware black and buy some shapewear'

The right choice can slash years off your look but the wrong choice can cling to the body, adding unwanted years.

As the current Style Manager at Nine Network and having worked in television styling for 14 years, I know exactly how to make right choices for your age, figure and skin tone.

Nine Network Style Manager writes for 9Honey and shares her tips on slashing years off your age by making the right fashion choices.

Be careful with black

Black is great it helps trim the figure and is appropriate for any occasion but as women get older their skin tend to get paler so black can create a harsh contrast that emphasises fine lines and shadow under the eyes.

A good way to lessen the washed out effect is to add a statement necklace. Other neutral colours to look out for when shopping are earthy tones like camel, olive or grey.

Don’t hide under your clothes

As women get older they tend to want to cover their “problem areas” such as arms, hips and tummy but wearing shapeless clothes can actually make you look heavier.

The key is structure, for instance a well cut jacket that cinches in at the waist shows off the most flattering parts of your body.

Hemlines are crucial

The correct skirt length is important. A hemline to your ankles may hide “saggy knees’ but it can also make you look frumpy and wider. A solution to this is the midi skirt, it’s a key wardrobe staple and very on trend at the moment, it stops at the middle of your calf.

It is important to keep the look elongated so choose the right footwear with this style such as a pointed pump. Avoid a strappy heel that cuts you off at the ankle.

Choose the right fabrics

As women get older they tend to opt for comfort such as jersey fabrics with stretch, although this does not always create the best shape as it clings to those “problem areas” discussed earlier.

If you are intent on wearing choose a draped or rouched option that grazes your curves or I would also suggest a ponte knit or milano wool. These fabrics have stretch but still hold structure.

Shapewear is not only for events

These slimming garments can cut years off your age by slimming down lumps and bumps. Shapewear styles have come so far with a lot more feminine and attractive styles available.

Be careful to choose the right size, a smaller size will not make you skinnier just uncomfortable.